Penrith supremo Phil Gould predicts it’s only a matter of time before Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary leaves the club to team up with his father Ivan.
Nathan’s NRL future will be a closely scrutinised over the next four months as he prepares to come off contract at the end of next year.
The 20-year-old will be allowed to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 and both he and his father, coach of the Wests Tigers, have publicly stated their desire to team up at some point.
Losing the NSW No.7 would be a massive blow for the Panthers, who have nursed him through the grades to be one of the premier playmakers in the competition.
Nathan’s decision will also have big ramifications for the Tigers’ recruitment with halfback Luke Brooks off contract at the end of 2019 as well.
Gould said he had no doubt at one point Nathan will leave the club to work with Ivan and he would do so with his blessing.
“The answer is very simple – Ivan is a father who wants to coach his son, we all understand that,” Gould told the Nine Network.
“Nathan is a son who would like to play for his father one day – we all understand that.
“I believe it will happen. And I would like to see it happen.
“But the decision right now is in Nathan’s hands.
“Neither his father or I are putting any pressure on him.”
Nathan has previously said he will consider his next contract around the time of his 21st birthday – November 14 – meaning he is facing a big decision during the off-season.
Gould said he was refusing to put pressure on Nathan to stay and wouldn’t stand in his way if he decided to leave the foot of the mountains.
“He’ll make a decision at the end of the year,” Gould said.
“Whatever that decision is, I will support it 100 per cent and Ivan will support it 100 per cent because it’s his career.
“But I have an agreement with Nathan. If one day he says ‘I want to go play with my dad’, let’s make it happen. I’ve got no problem with him going to play with his father whatsoever.”
terrence
Guest
kk, Yes Ivan is building at Collaroy Plateau. The players are worth what a club is willing to pay them.Good on em! Happy days.
terrence
Guest
Adam, Correct. And they just might be. Although Ivan is building a new house at Collaroy Plateau, the family know the lolly won't last forever and will go for the finan$ial ride...! Who wouldn't! And Brisbane is probably a lot nicer place to live than Auckland or Penrith. Admittedly Brisbane is nowhere nice as the Northern Beaches of Sydney, but at least its only about an hour from half decent surf. Happy days.
terrence
Guest
Sylvester, Then they will both laugh their noggins off and count their millions before moving to the next club and get their millions. Not a bad gig if you can get it. Happy days....
Mushi
Guest
Under the current cap Cleary is worth 1m easy.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Why would anyone want Ivan as their coach? The Tigers run the risk of making a rod for their own back to be honest. If Ivan had any brains, he would tell Nathan not to make any decision until the middle of next year - just incase the Tigers capitulate to finish this season and start next year badly. Tigers won't sack Ivan as long as Nathan is unsigned for 2020. But fast forward to when they come together. What happens when the Tigers begin to stink under Cleary's coaching (which base don his lack of success throughout his career is inevitable)? Rumblings start happening around the club and they need to sack him, but the star player is his son and you don't want to put him off or risk losing him.... If I was the TIgers, I would be staying clear of Cleary.
Sylvester
Guest
So what happens if Nathan changes club to join Ivan and dad gets sacked?
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
Also if the Broncos had any brains left in their management, they'd throw the chequebook at both Ivan and Nathan
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
If Gould wanted to keep Nathan, all he has to do is throw the chequebook at Ivan and bring him back to the Panthers. Why would anyone in their right mind want to lose NSW' halfback for the next 10 years? Reminds me of when the Dogs let Thurston go.
LMM
Guest
Let him go now then, before we waste a few years on him. Put Luai in and hand him the keys.
kk
Guest
It was reported that Ivan Cleary is building somewhere on the northern beaches. What are the odds about both Cleary's eventually becoming Sea Eagles? Is Nathan currently worth $1M per season? Is DCE worth $1.3M per season? Nathan could become to Penrith what DCE is to the Manly salary cap problem.
concerned supporter
Guest
Deja Vu, Phil Gould, Wasn't Phil Gould responsible for sacking Ivan Cleary from Penrith without notifying the Penrith Board? ''The Panthers general manager revealed he conducted his own end-of-season review before coming to the conclusion Cleary had to go.''